Top Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years as food and medicine. In more recent years, studies have shown that medicinal mushrooms have incredible immune-supporting strength and powerful cellular health properties. If you're just diving into the world of mushrooms, you may have a lot of questions: What are the different kinds of medicinal mushrooms? What are the benefits of each kind of mushroom? Which medicinal mushroom is right for me?

Medicinal mushrooms are also powerful immune modulators and adaptogens. This means that they have the ability to support the body throughout any type of stress. Unlike some herbal products, medicinal mushrooms do not stimulate or suppress any functions in the body. Instead, they encourage balance and adaptation in the body.

Medicinal mushrooms contain many key nutrients such as enzymes, prebiotics, antioxidants and polysaccharides like beta-glucans, which provide anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-microbial properties to support the immune system. They also include other health benefits such as high antioxidant properties, liver protection and filtration, and cholesterol-lowering abilities.

The benefits of the most common medicinal mushrooms are:

Reishi

Reishi is the queen of mushrooms and is commonly known to reduce stress, improve sleep and have antihistaminic properties. It also improves athletic performance by enhancing oxygenation of the blood and reducing altitude sickness.

Reishi is a great mushroom choice if you suffer from insomnia, muscle tension, anxiety or exhaustion.

Chaga

Chaga is known as the king of all mushrooms. It is most beneficial for supporting prevention and treatment for various types of cancer because it contains an incredibly high amount of powerful antioxidants, such as SOD (superoxide dismutase), which protects against DNA damage. It also contains melanin, which is very beneficial for strengthening the eyes, nails, skin and slowing down the aging process, as well as betulinic acid, which is a highly effective anti-viral nutrient.

Chaga may be right for you if you are looking to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve overall wellness.

Lion's Mane

Lion's Mane is a unique mushroom due to its ability to regenerate nerve growth factors to rejuvenate the brain. It is known for supporting the nervous system and conditions like Parkinson’s, MS and nerve damage.

Lion's Mane is a great choice if you're looking for cognitive enhancement, which supports memory, concentration and mental clarity.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps mushrooms have been traditionally used as one of the strongest energy boosters, as well as a libido and vitality enhancer. Cordyceps increase ATP production and oxygen intake, which can improve mental and physical performance to support athletic enhancement.

So, if you're suffering from fatigue, cordyceps might be right for you!

Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail, known as 'The Hiker's Mushroom', is one of the most commonly found mushrooms on the planet! Turkey Tail contains triterpenes, polyphenols, and polysaccharides - specifically PSK and PSP. PSK and PSP support the immune system by regenerating white blood cells and stimulating the activity of T-cells, and it has anti-viral properties. When fermented, PSP has also been shown to boost beneficial bacteria in the gut while also reducing harmful bacteria. Living Alchemy's Fermented Turkey Tail is, therefore a great option for gut support.

Turkey Tail may be the right mushroom for you if you're looking to boost both immunity and gut health.

Conclusion

The top reason that many people use medicinal mushrooms is to reduce stress. By reducing your stress levels, you are able to work more efficiently and with cognitive clarity. All of the above mushrooms are adaptogenic, meaning they help your body adapt to stress. How do they do this? They regulate the body's stress response by balancing hormones like cortisol and supporting the nervous and endocrine systems. Medicinal mushrooms have also been known to improve sleeping habits and athletic performance.

If you aren’t convinced yet that medicinal mushrooms are beneficial for almost every health concern… they are also suited to every type of diet out there! Yes, even candida diets. They are also paleo, vegan, and autoimmune-friendly. They even contain vitamins and minerals to support and nourish the body naturally. Whether you supplement with capsules or drink mushrooms in your coffee, embrace the shrooms and feel good!